iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE Tour 2015

May 15 2015
Vancouver, BC, CA / Rogers Arena
14

'Arena-grade secret weapon...'
How U2’s ‘iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE’ tour conquered Canada for a second night

Simply serving the same dish twice is not the U2 way. As they took to the Rogers Arena stage for the second night of their ‘iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE’ tour, and their last in Vancouver, it was soon obvious that if the ingredients would be substantially different from 24 hours earlier, the results would be the same: wall-to-wall audience approval.

For those experiencing the unique technological masterclass of the band’s new show for the first time, there was the same look of awe that was on many faces on opening night. For anyone also here the night before, there was the opportunity to experience again a production that is already bedding down into something historic, this time with a significantly remodeled set list. “Last night was truly great,” said Bono. “Tonight will truly be better.”

The strains of two Ramones discs confirmed that the opening ‘The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)’ had retained its slot. The bravery of getting back in the concert saddle with a new song was rewarded by further confirmation that this has the potential to join the long list of inspirational U2 crowd-pleasers. It’s already obvious just how much audiences love to roar the singalong chorus at the tops of their voices, and that’s after two live plays.

‘Vertigo’ moved up into second place in the listing, followed by another new album entry that didn’t make last night’s cut, ‘California (There Is No End To Love).’ The raw and formative ‘I Will Follow’ remained in this opening montage, in which a certain thematic innocence was portrayed with a stark and unadorned set, lit chiefly by a single giant lightbulb that swung down from the gods like a pendulum.

The personal transition of innocence to experience charted by the new album was again signified here by the emergence of the so-called “divider.” This is the giant screen construction, with a walkway corridor down its middle, onto which dramatic, often eye-popping images emerge, be they animated, moving picture or real life.

In its presence, U2 have an arena-grade secret weapon. It can host the stunning visuals that illustrate the lead singer’s trip back to ‘Cedarwood Road’; or it can carry the hard-hitting facts that explain ‘Raised By Wolves,’ with images of those who died in terrorist bombings in Ireland in 1974. “Justice for the forgotten,” demanded the closing narrative.

In the same vein, the divider lifted to allow the band to walk along the pathway at marching tempo, to the beat of Larry Mullen Jr’s single drum, for the unplugged ‘Sunday Bloody Sunday.’ The Edge’s solo still managed to spit flames, even on an acoustic guitar. Later, on the small b-stage at the other end of the walkway, Edge played tender piano to Bono’s gentle lead on ‘Every Breaking Wave.’

It’s testament to the overflowing riches of the band’s catalogue that major songs can come and go from one night to the next with no sense of diminution or deprivation. The previous night’s closer, ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,’ didn’t make the cut at all tonight, and ‘Desire’ was gone too.

But what towering replacements, for instance with ‘Angel Of Harlem’ and a tribute that many would have been wishing for. The sad news of B.B. King’s passing that broke just after the first show ended, made a b-stage revival of ‘When Love Comes To Town’ both necessary and rewarding. “The thrill will never be gone,” observed Bono appropriately.

‘Beautiful Day’ had the frontman spontaneously interpolating some ‘Sgt. Pepper’ lyrics (“where did that come from?!”, he asked himself) and as we edged to the end of the main set, ‘With Or Without You’ moved one couple into a slow dance. Revivals of ‘Miracle Drug’ and ‘Bad’ started an encore that had fans in fine voice for ‘Where The Streets Have No Name.’

Tonight’s closer, though, was an elegantly low-key ‘One,’ and as Bono thanked the audience for giving Vancouver to the band for five weeks of pre-production and two remarkable shows, there was a real sense that this city will live long in U2’s memory, and vice versa.
 

After the show post your reviews and add your photos below!

Live Blog #U2ieTour Social Stream Vancouver 2
 

 

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IE Tour - European Fans
Comments
14
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ABaxter
15 May in Vancouver
One of the best nights of my life. I attempted to take a selfie before the concert with the stage in back. My highlight was the encore, plus so many other moments. I didn't want to leave, hung out in my seats for a long time after the show absorbing it all. Thanks guys!
Bep Phelps
2nd night was even better
I was so fortunate to be able to attend both nights, but I must say I was impressed the first night, but the second night, oh my goodness, they boyz were so much more at ease! Bono also seemed to be so much more himself. I loved, loved, loved it! See you back in Amsterdam guys, since you are not playing in Atlanta.
Shannon387
Loved it!
I think night 2 might have been slightly better though I absolutely loved both nights and we got to hear Bad! Would like to see video available for the front when the band moves to the e stage other than that outstanding visual effects and an absolute mind blowing experience! Currently hatching some plot scheming some scheme to see if I can make it to another concert! Thanks U2 for a truly memorable experience! Love you guys!
paoladegliesposti
Second night and it is another venue
Songs can play an active role in the show, and they have done it. Excellently new songs have marked the wave of energy. California, Miracle drug, when 'Love comes to town', regal homages to blues and rock and roll. When art plays an active role in the social big community, the final is ' One' for everybody and somebody. Hello and bye bye.
sam4100
Unbelievable and Unforgettable!!!!
Last night's concert was unbelievable. I've seen U2 many times throughout the years and it's always been in NYC (or Giants stadium). I've been in both nose bleed seats and many times in GA. Last night we were in the stands but it felt like we were in the GA crowd. I was amazed how they were able to flow their story through the songs. I love how intimate it felt. This show reminded me of All that you can't leave behind tour after 9/11 in NY, just the feeling that we are in this together and the feeling of hope. Thank you U2 for yet another unbelievable and unforgettable experience! And thank you for playing Angel of Harlem and Bad!!! You convinced me not to sell my GA tickets for a MSG show in July and rather make the 3000 mile trek to NYC to experience this awesome show again!!! If there is a second leg to this tour, please play a show in Seattle!!!
steph36
amazing
the best U2 concert so far, absolutely everything and more, didn't want the show to end.
aab_123
Still buzzing
Loved the people in the line-up and all around in the GA section. Great fans, awesome band. Standout song for me was "Raised by wolves". Can't wait to do it all again in Toronto!
reetz
Mind blowing
I was lucky enough to be there both nights. In Bono's own words...Thursday was truly great but Friday was truly better. Has me yearning for more and remembering why I truly love this great band.
Shifty44
Night #2
Amazing Visual effects!!!! U2 always find a way to top their last tour. Thank you for all your efforts!!! Never stop!!!!
momma
AMAZING!!
The band never ceases to amaze me!! A great 2 nights in Vancouver to kick off the tour. Finally got to see a live performance of Bad!! And now, I feel like I'm going through withdrawal and need another "hit" of seeing them live on this tour!
kirkr
Too good
Hard hitting show, start to finish - I went to both nights. Bono was right, night two got better (crowd energy was high). "Miracle" is simply incredible live. "Angel of Harlem" was so joyous and "When Love Comes to Town" brought the house down. Everything about night two was so gloriously unexpected. "Miracle Drug" ... honestly?! no one would've expected that tune to be revived, ... and the revamp of it was so cool. There was something about "Iris" both nights that was so incredible (night one, Bono started it with lyrics from Mofo). The guitar was so pure. Okay, no more spoilers. Two times for this show is simply not enough!
ElRulas
My First Time
i will do everything to see this awesome concert in Vancouver !!!!
alex00murdoch
Love it!
Love it!
kirsti
YAY!!!!
looking forward to seeing U2 once again!!!!
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